Huts on the Beach

The characters of Jack and Ralph, although fighting for the common cause of survival, are internally fighting against one another due to their conflicting personalities. Ralph is the assigned chief of the group; he is organized, responsible, and smart. Jack is almost like Ralph's second hand man, although not happy about this Jack takes this role and tries to keep his head up. Jack wants to be accepted by others while also being part of the authority. For example when Ralph is upset that no one is working and all being lazy, Jack says; "Except me and my hunters-"(50). This shows that Jack is quick to defend himself against his chief, Ralph, but also shows his need to call ownership and authority over others; his hunters. He is trying to receive respect and acceptance from Ralph, while also trying to prove to him that he has power over others. Ralph, on the other hand, is only worried about keeping this community of boys together by establishing an environment that is both comfortable and safe. This is specifically discussed in chapter 3 when Ralph is bothered that no one is working. In the end both boys have their own wants and needs for themselves and their piers, and while they do differ they revolve around the goal of living and surviving. Ralph is like the President, he has all the power in the eyes of his citizens and is allowed to bestow anything upon them. Jack is the Vice President, he has power but less than the President, so much less that the people barely know it exists. He works with the Commander in Chief but inside only wants to demolish him, so then automatically he will gain all the authority over the people and rule them under only his ideas and rules.